The Oktoberfest in Munich opened again this weekend. It is the 173rd time and this year it is 2 days longer than usual.

This is the 3rd year we are reporting about essential Oktoberfest gadgets. In 2004 the Beer Foamer was hot. 2005 you needed a Scrolling LED Badge.

To really show your geekness at the biggest beer fest on the planet you should consider the Bluetooth music player lederhose by Loden-Frey (site). These leather pants feature fabric buttons from Interactive Wear (site). The company introduced the iPod Lederhose this summer at a trade-show. I am not sure if it is actually on sale yet. More details on Focus (German). What is available is a pen that contains a map of the Oktoberfest 2006 area. It is easy to get lost after 5 Mass (Mass = 1 Liter Beer, if poured correctly).
You can also use it to write down the phone numbers of nice girls wearing Dirndl or nice boys in Lederhosn. It sells for 3,40 Euro (~$4,30) on Wiesn.com. Have fun at the Oktoberfest, if you visit it - Prost!